The Capital city of Spain, Madrid, may be the forefront of fashion, politics and entertainment, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun without spending anything.
For the budget travellers, we have gathered these 15 things to do for free in Madrid, from walking through Retiro Park to chilling out on the Plaza Mayor.
1. Hang Out in Parque del Buen Retiro
Also known as Retiro Park, it’s the city’s best loved park, as well as being one of Madrid’s top attractions. Retiro Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great summer days that Madrid gets plenty of. Enjoy many beautiful sculptures and monuments as well as a boating lake. Also catch some free outdoor concerts that take place in Retiro Park during the summer.
2. Visit world class museums for free
Madrid is home to some of the world’s top museums, housing some top class art works. Two of Madrid’s best museums are the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum. For free entry to the Prado Museum, visit on Tuesdays to Sundays from 6pm to 8pm, or Sundays from 5pm to 8pm. For free admission to the Reina Sofia Museum visit Monday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm, Saturday from 2.30pm to 9pm, or Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm.
3. Explore Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is steeped in history and has seen public executions, royal ceremonies, bullfights, Inquisition trials and many celebrations. Today it is surrounded by three-storey buildings, many cafes and restaurants with terraces to sit out in and take in this busy square.
4. Stroll through the Palacio Real or Royal Palace
Explore the largest palace in Europe with over 2,800 rooms. It is the official residence of the Royal family; however it is only used for state ceremonies these days. The palace is open to the public but even just a walk around its grounds and courtyard is a great free thing to do in Madrid. Take in building’s beautiful architecture, and don’t forget to check out the view from the side of courtyard.
5. Marvel at the Garden in the Atocha Railway Station
It may be hard to believe, but one of Madrid’s most talked about attractions can be found in the city’s main train station. A small tropical garden lies in the old atrium of Atocha Railway Station, perfect for a walk while waiting to catch your train. This train station garden is home to tropical plants and fauna, as well as a little turtle pool that draws many onlookers.
6. Bask in the sun at Plaza de España
Plaza de España is home to a beautiful large fountain and a breath-taking monument to Cervantes, who is best known for writing “Don Quixote”. The fictional character of Don Quixote and his sweetheart Dulcinea also feature in this dominant fixture in the square. Plaza de España is especially popular on sunny days for sunbathers.
7. Take a walk down Gran Via
Don’t you ever miss walking down the city’s most famous street! Gran Via has been referenced in everything from operas to films, and it is also steeped in history. This street is one of Madrid’s busiest as it is lined with shops and restaurants. Marvel at the many buildings that are classed as landmarks.
8. Visit the Templo de Debod
This Egyptian temple once stood in the village of Debod but today resides in Madrid in the Parque del Oeste. This piece of Egyptian heritage came to Spain when a dam was being developed in Egypt. Spanish engineers helped the Egyptian government to move these monuments and in return, Egypt donated the Templo de Debod to Spain as a thank you. It’s a popular attraction today and lies in one of Madrid’s popular parks.
9. Explore Madrid’s largest open air flea market ‘El Rastro’
A Sunday in Madrid is not complete without a visit to ‘El Rastro’ – Madrid’s largest open air market. This popular flea market is packed full of locals and tourists every week, where you can pick up all kinds of bargains from antiques to clothes amongst the 3500 stalls. A visit to ‘El Rastro’ is highly recommended even if you don’t want to buy anything as the atmosphere here is worth the trip alone.
10. Follow the Old City Walls
Madrid was once upon a time a walled city and today you can see the remains of what once protected a 9th century Moorish settlement. This free attraction can be found just behind the Cathedral. A stroll around these city walls make for a great walk through a historical part of Madrid.
11. Spend an evening in Puerta del Sol
There are many noteworthy aspects to see in Puerta del Sol like the monument of “El Oso y El Madroño” – the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a statue of King Carlos III and two fountains where people gather to sit around. This spot comes alive at dusk with people going through the square as well as stopping off in one of the cafes or restaurants in the area. It’s a great place to watch the city go by. Don’t forget to grab some churros!
12. Madrid’s Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum)
Can’t afford the price of a ticket to see the bullfighting for real? No worries, you can actually take advantage of the free admission to Madrid’s Museo Taurino – The Bullfighting Museum. The museum offers an account of Spain’s bullfighting history with costumes of previous matadors and even a painting by Goya depicting a bull fighting scene. There are also many photographs and relics detailing this controversial tradition from its origins to the present day. Awesome, right?
13. Visit the Museo Arte Público
This free thing to do in Madrid is well worth a visit even if it is just to witness how this space is beautifully utilised. The collection is mainly made up of abstract sculptures with works by Joan Miró and Eduardo Chillida also included.
14. Go to Anden 0
If you want to see what an old Madrid Metro station looked like in the 1960s, then visit Anden O. This free Madrid attraction showcases an old Madrid Metro station, and while it is a small museum it is definitely worth a look, especially as it is free to enter. Opening hours are from Tues-Fri: 11 am – 7 pm, Sat, Sun and holidays: 11 am – 3 pm.
